Former England spinner Alex Hartley believes the current squad is playing their best cricket 'for years' ahead of Thursday's T20 World Cup semi-final. England's campaign has built momentum through convincing victories over Scotland, West Indies and New Zealand after opening with 219-1 against Sri Lanka.

Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt's calf injury against Ireland raised concerns, but Charlie Dean has stepped up admirably. Danni Wyatt-Hodge leads the tournament scoring charts while the bowling attack has impressed Hartley, who praised coach Charlotte Edwards' impact since taking charge after the Ashes series.

South Africa awaits in the semi-final, having finished second in Group 1 behind Australia. The Proteas enter the match with psychological advantage after winning the past two meetings between these sides in major tournaments. However, their group stage performances have been unconvincing despite that opening win.

Hartley's confidence stems from seeing England develop 'everything covered' across all departments. With momentum building and key players in form, Thursday's clash at Lord's presents an opportunity to end South Africa's recent dominance in semi-finals.